Ask Dr. Williamson – What are ways to be an active parent and/or family member in the child’s school?

After posting on Facebook where I presented on “Ways to increase parental/family involvement in programs” at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start to administrators I had the questions posted, “What are ideas and/or activities parents can initiate toward being active participates in the school?”  It is always really refreshing when parents and/or family members are seeking out ways to let the child know they are interesting to engage in his/her through giving culturally developmental activities for age/grade level for a successful school year.

Here are some ways to build upon the parental/family members and teacher/school partnerships toward educating the child.

1.       Create a parent/family advisory committee,

2.       Establish a book or lending library room (e.g., DVDs, books, games and other resource materials),

3.       Assist in publishing school and/or classroom newsletter on regular basis (written in languages that represent home in class),

4.       Family ambassadors where current family members serve in the role to help new families join the class,

5.       Parent communication log by using Remind 101 (www.remind101.com),

6.       Create CLOSED Facebook class and/or school page (NOTE:  you do NOT have to Friend all people you can add by email address),

7.       Share with school topics of strength to assist program (e.g., reading stories, arts and crafts),

8.       Create parental/family blog to share information,

9.       Volunteer by copying, laminating, cut/paste, organizing class events, creating bulletin boards, work with small groups, work with individual child, at home projects and more, and

10.   Translate basic classroom words in different languages that represent families in the class.

There are many other ways to be actively be involved in your child’s classroom room and school building.  Please write your interactions in the COMMENT section so we can all share in the parental/family members for the better of educating children.  Let’s be empowered through parental/family involvement.

A Closer Look at Ways to Increase Parental/family Involvement

Educators from all levels must ensure there are multiple means of strengthening the relationships with parents and/or family members of the child in the 21^st century.  Working with parents and/or family members can be the most satisfying role or it can be a daunting task to engage all stakeholders to ensure children are given high-quality education.  Children must see that all the adults in their lives want them to be successful toward becoming productive citizens of society.

Here are some activities and/or events that can be incorporated toward increasing parental/family members’ involvement.

1.       Hold an orientation for parent/families at a convenient time,

2.       Create a parent/family advisory committee,

3.       Establish a book or lending library with DVDs, books, games and resource materials,

4.       Make informal calls to parents especially to share a child’s successes,

5.       Survey parents/families for issues of interest and need,

6.       Remind 101 - www.remind101.com,

7.       Create a class webpage and/or blog,

8.       Feature yoga and exercise classes onsite for parents and children,

9.       Plan family recognition dinners and events with food,
transportation, and child care provided to celebrate the
families in the program, and

10.   Let parents and/or family members’ translate words and/or phrases that will be displayed throughout the learning environment.

This the parent/family members’ partnership that are strengthened with educators who are on the same team to nurturing the whole child for betterment.  Through different means of communication as becoming more actively involved in the life of the school is needed for a true partnership for all.  Yes, “It takes a village to raise a child” according to the African proverb.  Parent/family members’ partnerships are the key!  Share and/or post pictures of your engagement activities/events.